Most Americans think of a brisk yet beautiful November day in 1621 when the Pilgrims celebrated their first Thanksgiving celebration to God. Their battle to survive in the New World was fierce, yet their Creator brought them through. Not without sorrow, they turned to Christ with praise for what He had granted. Turkey, corn, treats, and athletic games have been a trademark of the holiday ever since.
In 1789, shortly after the Revolutionary War, President George Washington issued a proclamation of thanksgiving to God for our entire nation:
“…to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be—That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks—for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country…” (1789 Proclamation)
Amid a nation ripped in two by the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln sealed Thanksgiving as a perpetual holiday for our nation:
“I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.” (1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation)
But these were not the first national thanksgiving proclamations given by government leaders. Far before the founding of the United States, a different leader by the name of King David proclaimed a national Psalm of Thanksgiving in front of the entire nation of Israel. Similar to all the battles and wars above, this moment in Israel’s history marked their defeat of the Philistines and the recovery of the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. After years of difficulty and upheaval, God brought victory to His people.
So David sang:
“Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonders. Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad . . . Blessed by the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting even to everlasting.” (1 Chronicles 16:8-10)
What was the response of the nation? “Then all the people said, “Amen!” and praised the LORD.” (1 Chron. 16:36b)
Today, we survey a nation and world torn into tiny fragments by a ravaging virus, fear, protests, and political unrest. But we can look back at the past storms, battles, and wars of the past and seen God’s providence over His people. We, as the grafted-in and redeemed people of God through faith in Christ, can offer thankfulness to God for His great grace and goodness. We lift up thanks and praise to Him not only for the easy roads but also the difficult twist and turns of the journey, through which He forms in us a greater trust, a deeper rest, and a patience of soul.
His covenant with us is irrevocable and eternal.
From everlasting even to everlasting.
And all the people said, “Amen!”
Have a blessed day of giving thanks to God, the Almighty Lord and Creator of heaven and earth!
Love in Christ,
Pastor Michael
From Stephanie, Hudson, Everlynn, Carson, and I: We hope and pray you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day celebration!
